Stretching Skin After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am 8 weeks post op from Tummy Tuck, and still sore around the incision; how much longer before it goes away? Also, when I eat or drink 16oz of water all at once, I feel as if my skin is stretching. Does this mean that my skin is really stretching and the skin will start getting the way it used to look before?

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

Typically, after 8 weeks, folks are feeling pretty good. Sometimes one can get hypertrophic scars that can be painful so I would check with your doctor to be sure that your not getting this. As far as the tight feeling, I doubt that this is going to stretch your result. Hang in there and this should get better with time.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding soreness and the sensation of skin stretching after your tummy tuck.

At 8 weeks post-op, it's normal to still experience some soreness around the incision area. Healing times can vary from person to person, but typically, the soreness should gradually decrease over the next few weeks to months. It’s common for patients to feel discomfort for several weeks as the body continues to heal, and some residual tenderness or sensitivity can persist for a few months, especially around the incision site.

As for the sensation you’re experiencing when eating or drinking large amounts of water, it’s important to understand that this is a common occurrence for many tummy tuck patients. After the surgery, the skin and underlying tissues are tighter, and the abdominal muscles have been repaired and tightened. This can cause a sensation of tightness or stretching, particularly when the stomach expands after eating or drinking.

This sensation does not necessarily mean that your skin is actually stretching in a way that would undo the results of your surgery. Instead, it’s more likely that you are feeling the normal tightness and adjustment as your body adapts to the new contours and structure post-surgery. Over time, as the swelling continues to subside and your body heals further, these sensations should become less noticeable.

To help with the soreness and stretching sensation, it’s important to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions, including wearing any recommended compression garments, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet. If the soreness persists beyond a few more weeks or if you notice any unusual changes in the appearance of your skin or incision, it’s a good idea to consult with your plastic surgeon. They can assess your healing progress and provide additional guidance to ensure the best possible outcome.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your description it seems like your skin is tight. Be sure to keep all your scheduled post ops with your surgeon.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It can take a good 3 or 4 months for the pain to resolve.
The stretching feeling is quite common and is a combination of the muscle repair being stressed as well as the skin. This should not resort back the preo-operative state unless you become pregnant again or eperience massive weight gain or loss.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

Although you are past the acute phase of healing, pain following abdominoplasty can last 3-4 months depending on how much work was done.
Skin stretches with abdominal fullness as it should but it quickly contracts back to where it was.  With that said it is not uncommon to get a small amount of excess skin recurrence once you are fully healed.  This is dependent on your skin tone and elasticity.  If you have a binder you might want to consider wearing it for comfort.

Stretching Skin After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)